Yes, what's known as a "prospective pardon" (before any charges or conviction) can be issued. It's been done several times, actually. Not only Ford with Nixon but it also happened several other times. Firstly in 1866, there was the case of a Confederate senator who was pardoned by President Andrew Johnson.You would also have to question the validity of any attempt to pardon his children or himself, he can't restore civil rights that have yet to be taken away. You can't pre-emptively pardon, surely.
Jimmy Carter in 1977 pardoned thousands of Vietnam War "draft dodgers," who had not yet been charged, enabling them to return home from Canada.
Then there was George Bush in 1993 who also pre-emptively pardoned six people involved in the Iran-contra affair, including Caspar Weinberger, the former defense secretary who was awaiting trial at the time.
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